Click on the down arrow to the left of the question to read the answer, if there is no arrow the question title will link to the answer on another page. If you do not find your question in this list, please send it to us here and we will add the answer to the list. Thank you.

What are the minimum equipment requirements for my computer?

(Close) What are the minimum equipment requirements for my computer?

Live Course

TaxMama’s® Live Course takes place online using flash based conferencing software from HotConference. Please take a minute to check that your computer has the minimum requirements to ensure a hassle free experience – Mac owners should have no problem.

Note: If you plan to pass the EA Exam, you will have to demonstrate that you can follow instructions. Ensure that your computer will work with our conference system BEFORE signing up for the class. We will not be wasting precious class time helping you get your system to work!

The live course is interactive. You will be encouraged to ask and answer questions – just like in a real classroom. Most computers come with microphones and speakers already built in but you MUST have a headset to participate! Desktop mic’s or computer mic’s generate HORRIBLE feedback in the class.

If you don’t have a specific audio card in your computer with a place to plug in the devices, consider getting devices with a USB plug. That way, even if you only have one USB port, you can use a USB hub with 4-7 sockets. They can be relatively cheap – or expensive – up to you. All these are under $26.00

What is your shipping policy?

(Close) What is your shipping policy?

Shipping Policy

All Materials will be shipped within 3 business days, starting after May 5, 2011

All materials are shipped out via USPS Priority Mail, FOB TaxMama’s® location. They should arrive at your location within three days, unless you are off the USPS beaten path, in which case it may take longer. If you do NOT receive your materials within three days, please contact TaxMama’s office IMMEDIATELY for the tracking information.

Note: We will send your package to the shipping address you provide in your registration. It is your responsibility to provide accurate information. If you do not receive the package due to USPS error or your error, it is your responsibility to sort it out with the USPS. We will reship materials – but you will have to pay for them. You may, of course, file a claim with the USPS for delivering the materials to the wrong place. If you tend to have problems receiving mail as a matter of course, let us know and we will provide you with a quote for the additional cost to insure your package – or for other shipment services.

However, if you do not receive your materials because we typed the wrong address into the label – we will reship at our expense.

How do I apply for and take the EA Exam?

(Close) How do I apply for and take the EA Exam?

IRS has outsourced the management of the EA Exam to an independent testing firm called Prometrics. We have created a special page just for you that outlines what you will need to apply for the IRS EA Exam.

What is your refund policy?

(Close) What is your refund policy?

TaxMama’s® Guarantee

IF YOU DON’T PASS THE EXAM THE FIRST TIME, COME ON BACK AND TAKE THE NEXT CLASS FREE.

You will only pay for new books and materials – about $150 – $450.

Note: Please do not sign up for the class unless you are sure this is what you want to do – and can afford. Since this is a live class and there is a lot of personal time and attention invested, the refund policy is FIRM.

Refund Policy

If you decide to drop out? To get a refund, you must request it within 30 days or 4 scheduled class sessions, whichever come first. Your entire registration will be refunded, less the cost of the books and disks you have received, or software that has been downloaded – $175.00 to $450.00 depending on the class.

Will I pass if I don't know anything about tax and have no experience?

(Close) Will I pass if I don't know anything about tax and have no experience?

No. It’s for people who already have experience and education when it comes it taxation. If you want an education, go to college. Although, TaxMama’s® Solving the Tax Puzzle sessions do a great job of giving you sound fundamentals in tax law, tax preparation and client management.

Also, it is true, that many people have passed the EA Exam just by taking this class, without any experience or tax education. But they worked their buns off and studied intensely for three or four whole months! We can’t promise that you will pass the first time. But you’ll get one heck of an education – and you’ll learn how to be a great tax professional! And you’ll get three more shots at passing the exam this year. So, odds are, if you do the work, you’ll pass during this testing window which runs from May 1st and closes at the end of the following February.

Will I pass if I have no experience, but have an education?

(Close) Will I pass if I have no experience, but have an education?

Again, no guarantees. It’s for people who already have experience AND education when it comes it taxation. Odds are in your favor that you will pass. Why? If you made it through business school recently, you already know how to study. But, if all you did was study to pass exams and not to remember anything, this will be like starting from scratch.

If you haven’t really worked with the forms; and you’re not really familiar with how they look, how they are laid out, or how the numbers flow from one form to another…you’ve got your work cut out for you. But most people with your background pass. Why? They worked their buns off and studied intensely for three or four whole months! We can’t promise that you will pass. But you’ll get one heck of an education – and you’ll learn how to be a great tax professional!

Will I pass if I have lots of tax experience but no education?

(Close) Will I pass if I have lots of tax experience but no education?

No. There is no insurance. Ever. You know how to do tax returns, probably correctly. But you’ve been using tax software and haven’t had to fill in a form by hand for years. You’ve relied on the software to flow the numbers from one form to the other. Do you even know how to compute AMT or Passive Losses on your own? Do you know what a Sec. 1245 asset is? Can you define ‘basis’?

You may have experience, but chances are, you don’t know the fundamentals, or the code sections. You’re going to have to learn a great deal, especially if you’ve never had formal accounting or formal bookkeeping training.

But, yes, you have a great shot. Study. Study with a buddy. Do the homework. Run the quizzes. Use the hypnosis tools. Trust your first instincts… Do all that? And yes, I guarantee that you’ll pass. Practically everyone who follows TaxMama’s® instructions and does all the work – passes And they worked their buns off and studied intensely for three whole months!

(Close) If I pass one part, how long do I have to pass all the other parts?

Are you seeing a pattern here?

Basically, it boils down to this: Anyone who takes the class, AND comes to ALL the sessions, AND studies with their study buddy – these are the people who pass – even without previous education and experience. There IS enough information in TaxMama’s® EA Exam Course to teach you enough about taxation to pass any tax exam – or the tax part of any other professional examination, like the CPA exam, the CMA exam, the CFP exam, even the Bar exam. All you have to do is – LEARN!

We know that we can give you a good grounding in the following: The rules of US taxation on all the subjects the exam has ever covered. Cheat Sheets to help you retain a summary of the tax information you’ll need. Books and software and supplies that explain the answers to previous exams. Study tools and memory tools to increase your confidence and improve your memory.

ONLY FROM TAXMAMA®

Study buddies to keep you on track and study with you.

Arrange to meet online with study buddies anywhere in the world.

BONUS: Practice Tips to help you make a better living right now – even before you pass the EA Exam.

Personal attention – TaxMama® will guide you in your studies.

Client Referrals. TaxMama® is not accepting new clients. So she refers them to her students who demonstrate competence in the areas requested by the potential client.

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I think what makes this course special is the class part, that sets the concepts in.The slides are invaluable for going back to also. I will definitely be joining the TaxMama family when I am done.

You know the saying "it takes a village", well the class, the study buddies, the information available on the site, and the knowledge base in your TaxMama group, has been invaluable in helping me gain knowledge and direction for my tax business. From the tips to your past experiences and passing that on to us. It is a great education.

Thanks again this has been the best money I have ever spent on my business.Geri Ferger, Summer 2012

I passed SEE Part 2 tonight and now have completed all three tests! I will submit my IRS application next week while home in Idaho. I wanted to thank you again for all your help. Your classes and material made a big different with my passing. You are so much better then those guys with the Becker CPA review course. They can't hold water to your outstanding classes!" David Hockman, about to be EA, Idaho and the world - Fall, 2009

"I strongly believe that it is the understanding of the tax language that helped me navigate through the unexpected questions/subjects that I encountered in the Exam. In other words, it allowed me to use my logic and reason my way out of the uncertainty and hence made my best “guesstimate.” Once again, thank you very much. You ROCK, Eva! " TC - Fall, 2008

"I am, no doubt, much more familiar with you (at least your voice) than you are with me. During the last months, I have spent hours listening to the recorded sessions for Level 2 and completing the homework. I sat for Level 2 this morning and passed. Your review course is a great combination for my learning style. The use of lecture, slides, readings, and word problems are exactly the ingredients I needed to succeed.I plan on celebrating this evening and diving into Level 3 tomorrow!" EK - 2004

"I just wanted to let you know that I passed… all 3 Parts! I’m so excited and had to let you know! I appreciate the time you took to contact the IRS to help me get a PTIN. Now I can do returns! Thanks for being a wonderful instructor!"HH - Fall, 2006

"I can never thank you enough for all the dedication and heart that you put into these classes. We have all been very blessed to have had you as a teacher! And all the “extras” that you do – you are fabulous!!! You have so much knowledge – thank you for sharing that with everyone." JM - 2006